6 Reasons to Visit the Greek Island of Paros

Today, on Redhead Mom, we’re sharing a sponsored guest post about 6 Reasons to Visit the Greek Island of Paros.

Often referred to as the ‘lite’ version of Mykonos, the island of Paros is somewhat of a mystery. It’s gone through both good and bad times and has a deep and interesting history that stretches right back to the Neolithic times. Once a key trading area with booming marble exports, Paros inevitably met a decline, until it was brought back to life by the booming tourism industry.

This island is definitely a mixed bag. Where the other Greek islands tend to have a particular niche, Paros has it all. It caters to every taste, whim and preference you could imagine, without so much as breaking a sweat. Visitors to Paros can choose from culture, nightlife, beaches, history, archaeology, architecture, water sports, land sports and much more in between.

We’ve put together some of the top reasons why Paros should be the next-up destination on your vacation bucket list.

Nightlife

If you’re looking for a party, then the nightlife is something that definitely stands out from the crowd on this island. Nightlife tends to be good anywhere in Greece, but Paros has a different vibe about it, taking you right back to the good old days.

And unlike the other islands, Paros is a budget-friendly party destination. Villages like Paroika and Naoussa should be your first destinations for non-stop fun with daytime beach parties, night-time foam parties, live music and everything else in between.

Water Sports

If you’re a water sports enthusiast, then Paros simply must be on your bucket list. It’s a water sports paradise; in fact, it was the home of the Windsurfing World Championship. You can get involved with a huge array of water sports on the island including kitesurfing, jet skiing, kiteboarding, water skiing, scuba diving, kayaking, canoeing and more.

And the fun doesn’t end there. Pay a visit to Paros Park; a theme park located on eight hundred square kilometres of geologically perfect landscapes, offering a fantastic escape into the various mountain routes and interesting hiking trails of the island, plus spectacular bays and beaches.

History

Like most Greek islands and towns, there’s a considerable amount of history to be explored in Paros. If you enjoy learning about the history of the places that you visit, then you should certainly schedule a trip to the Archaeological Museum, which houses exhibits dating all the way back to the Neolithic period. Another must-see is the Panagia Ekatontapylian church; a 4th-century Byzantine church with an interesting backstory. If you’re in Paroikia, be sure to visit the Frankish Castle; a 13th-century structure from the Venetians, offering a spectacular view over the town.

Beaches

If you’re going on vacation for some sand, sea and sun, then Paros certainly won’t disappoint. Beaches abound on this island, and there’s something for everybody. Golden Beach is by far one of the most popular with everybody, offering an organised setup catering to water sports enthusiasts and plenty of nearby restaurants and bars to get a tasty bite to eat after having fun. Or, if you’re travelling with the kids and want a family-friendly beach experience, head to Santa Maria Beach, which also offers plenty of water sports options and some great music. For the party-oriented, Pounds Beach is a little more hectic with club music blaring and beach parties held every day. Looking for some peace, quiet, and relaxation? Faragas Beach is the perfect spot for you.

Accommodation

There are plenty of accommodation options on Paros, and there’s something for every type of traveller and every traveller’s budget. Whether you want to stay in a luxury suite in a 5-star hotel, or just need a cheap hostel room to lay your head down at night, you’re sure to find what you need here.

Paros villas are an excellent option if you want to stay somewhere offering a little more privacy, but with all the amenities that you would expect from a hotel. Whether you are travelling with family or a group of friends, the villas available from BlueVillas offer a private room for everybody, a private swimming pool, and hotel-style amenities like daily cleaning and fresh linen. Check out the Blue Villas website to find out more about what’s on offer; there’s a villa to suit everybody.

Food

Last but not least, like many Greek islands, the food on offer on Paros is second to none! You’ll find many restaurants catering to British and American tourists if you prefer to go with what you know, or you can sample traditional Greek cuisine almost anywhere.

Seafood lovers rejoice! Like many islands, you’ll definitely be able to get the freshest catch of the day here, with stunning seafood dishes served up on the daily.

Whether you’re looking for vibrant nightlife, adventure and exploration, a quiet relaxing beach vacation or a foodie’s paradise, Paros offers a little bit of something for everybody, and then some.

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Shannon Gurnee is the author of Redhead Mom formerly "The Mommy-Files", a national blog with a loyal following. She has a Bachelor's Degree in Marriage, Family, and Human Development with a Minor in Business Management. Shannon and her husband, Frank, have a large family with 6 awesome kids and love living on the Central Coast near San Luis Obispo, California, as well as traveling around the world. A full-time Social Media and Professional Blogger, Shannon also serves as a National Brand Ambassador for many well-known companies. Her blog focuses on motherhood, family fun activities, traveling, fashion, beauty, technology, wedding ideas and recipes while providing professional opinions on products, performances, restaurants, and a variety of businesses.